Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Herbivore

I was very tempted to title this blog post something like 'That's a Wrap!' in the great tradition of American Corniness, but instead I'm going with the straight up title of the pattern: Herbivore. Learn this name because at some point you WILL be knitting this pattern, ok?The Specs:Pattern: Herbivore by Stephen WestSize: Medium-ish?Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon 'Bugga', 1 skein in 'Charlotte'.Needles: Size 6 Kollage square needles, firm cable because the soft cable ones are dead to me.Mods: None

This is my first time knitting with the Sanguine Gryphon and Oh My GAH is it nice. Ultra-soft and the color is complex like whoa. HELLO are you checking those yellow flecks in the most gorgeous pale brown ever? I mean, who even thought of that? Wow.

Now on to the pattern itself. Verdict: the most winningest pattern that ever winned. Stephen West loves his twisted stitches, does he not? There is a simplicity in the combination of the twisted stitches and the stockinette that is so satisfying both from a visual and knitting standpoint. The shape is unexpected and makes for a truly versatile garment. Is it a shawl, a wrap, a scarf, or something else entirely? Size-wise you can absolutely monkey around and get the size you like. I made a medium-ish size and am so happy with the results.

I have to say that I was initially prepared to be cheesed-off that there wasn't a chart with this pattern but OMG STEPHEN PLEASE DON'T BE MAD AT ME I WAS WRONG. There is no need for a chart. Pfft--unnecessary. No need whatsoever!

After this and Windschief, I am on a complete roll and have decided to cast on for Clockwork because it has fabulous written all over it. I can't stop! And luckily the guy seems to be churning these patterns out like it's his job (oh wait...) so I am set for the next 24-36 months!All this is to say that I basically have a new Internet knitting boyfriend and his name is Stephen West. And please don't try to break us up because I will throw some serious hard-core knitting realness back at you...

Gorgeous piece and amazing yarn! I really wish The Sanguine Gryphon yarns were available in Chicago - the website seems to be sold out whenever I check. Oh, what am I saying? I'm supposed to be on a stash diet!

I recently discovered Stephen West, too. It is difficult to say which of his patterns I love most. Clockwork is waiting for me to cast on; I had the stash yarns all picked out but then decided to use one of them for a gift scarf/shawlette. (Heh. Ran out of yarn right before the end and obtained another skein -- now I can make Clockwork as originally planned. Karma?)

The SG yarn is absolutely gorgeous in Herbivore! Perfect match of pattern and yarn.